Trigeminal Nerve Removal

"I was a chronic cluster sufferer for 6 years with consultants knowing very little about the condition, taking various tablets and medication. I also know to what extent the pain can reach, and also I could sometimes have up to 7 attacks in any 24-hour period.

In the end I went to see a consultant who specialised in this field at Kings College, London, mainly because the tablets had stopped working. It was decided that I should undergo surgery - trigeminal nerve removal. Now, although one side of my head is completely numb, and I do still get cluster headaches, I can't feel a thing.

Please remember though that these operations are not carried out very often and only in extreme case due to the after operation complications.

I hope this helps you and hopefully other cluster sufferers and feel free to contact me, Andrew Keene."

Last modified: 2002